The Annabelle Project is a program where seasoned event industry professionals mentor college age applicants of color for one year. The aim of the project is to give the mentees the benefits of one-on-one professional expert advice from and connections to mentor networks to advance their careers. The program will target applicants from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and colleges/universities with high Hispanic concentrations. This program will assist candidates in building careers in the events industry and to tap an under targeted source of ready and talented professionals to grow the events industry of the future.
We believe in the extraordinary power of diversity and the profound impact it will have on the events and hospitality business. At The Annabelle Project, we will champion opportunity in the events and hospitality industry workforce by empowering young professionals from diverse backgrounds with the advice, skills and connections essential for success. Our vision is to make the event industry as diverse as the audiences it serves.
The founding of The Annabelle Project is a deeply personal mission and was ignited by a bond between a father and his daughter. Annabelle, the daughter of industry thought leader Warwick Davies, embodies brilliance and boundless energy. Her radiant spirit has not only touched the lives of those around her but has also fueled Warwick’s passion to mold a brighter, more opportune future for individuals who share her rich heritage.
In surveying the landscape of the events industry, Warwick discerned a pressing need: to usher in meaningful change that would allow individuals of color to shine, fostering a workforce as diverse as the events it brings to life. The Annabelle Project is Warwick’s answer to this call. It’s an ambitious endeavor aimed at dismantling barriers, bridging gaps, and creating pathways. By forging meaningful connections and facilitating immersive learning experiences, the project aspires to nurture talent, foster growth, create opportunity and pave the way for a more inclusive future in the events industry.
We will open doors, break barriers, and create a world of opportunities for future minority event professionals through one-on-one mentorships.